Electronics Can Stay On During Takeoff, Landing

Air passengers can keep their smartphones, tablet PCs, e-books, MP3 players and game consoles on during landings and takeoffs from as early as March, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said Wednesday. But they still cannot make phone calls.

Air passengers around the world have been prohibited from using electronic devices during landing and takeoff for fear that electromagnetic waves will interfere with the navigation and communications equipment.

But the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration lifted the ban last October, saying a study shows that there is practically no safety risk.

The ministry launched its own taskforce of experts last November to improve systems while ensuring passenger safety.